APUG Grampians adventure!

[munz6869]

Good work Gary!!!

Marc!

 

[Mick Fagan]

Well we have just worked our schedule out, we will be leaving Melbourne almost two weeks prior and heading to Canberra via Bairnsdale and Barry Way to see the Floriade as we have never seen one.

From Canberra, we will then wend our way west, to outback NSW, then drop down to Horsham to visit my sister and fill our water tanks.

Then we hope to arrive on Saturday at the Halls Gap Caravan Park, (unless changed) to meet up with you lot, and give Molli her long ago promised, super strong hot chocolate.

The following week we head home where I pack the motorcycle, then head off to almost outback NSW for a rally; damned hard this retirement stuff.

Mick.

Ps:- Marc, you are correct, pretty savage vanilla slices in the bakery shop across the road, so fresh and soft, one needs a sharp pocket knife to slice and dice.

Mick.

 

[Dr Croubie]

You gonna have any film left by the time you get to Halls?

 

[Mick Fagan]

You gonna have any film left by the time you get to Halls?

I've just spent three months in Europe, (two months in Germany, one month in Spain).

I took 16 rolls of 135 x 36 frames.

In Sevilla I picked up 12 rolls of 135 x 36 frames of Kentmere 400.

Prior to this trip I had been shooting 4x5 for pretty much everything for the last few years, so my current shooting rate is substantially lower than many 135 photographers.

But to answer your question, yep, there won't be a Gap when at Halls.

Mick.

 

[Yamaotoko]

Ps:- Marc, you are correct, pretty savage vanilla slices in the bakery shop across the road, so fresh and soft, one needs a sharp pocket knife to slice and dice.

Mick.

Sounds like just what the doctor ordered! When I took my son to SA last month we were on the hunt for 'the perfect donut' for him, and 'the vanilla slices I remember growing up'. Sadly, we failed on both counts.

I'd say I'll have no trouble getting there whenever I like, and staying a few extra days also; my poor pooch is not long for this world, and I expect shall be gone by then.

 

[JamesR]

I think I'm out for this.
I'm probably going to stop in for a few days next week on my way home.
I have clocked nearly 9000kms in the last 3 weeks ( still another 2-3000 to go! ), and the thought of another 6 hour drive for a weekend trip is a bit much.
Any tips on top locations?

 

[JamesR]

Well we stayed at the Comfort Inn, very nice, VERY comfortable motel, only $85 a night on Wotif, cheaper than a cabin at the caravan park!
Went to the Pinnacle and a few other lookouts. McKenzie Falls is currently closed.

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

What!? MacKenzie Falls is closed!? Oh bummer. Or maybe not by then (?) I was wanting to get back there after a 20 year hiatus. I doubt there will be any significant rain between now and then but I was hoping to see Beehive Falls and the elusive Tilwinda Falls (near Troopers Creek), mind you these are some distance from the Gap.

So, is the weekend confirmed for that date? I was reminded by Mick at the Melbourne Camera Club (at least I think it was Mick ? — looked much younger than last time I saw him) and it caught me off guard until I was shown my post in the thread that I could be coming. Thus I'm keeping the weekend free, plus a few days prior. I would be camping in the caravan park, perhaps Grampians Gardens (where my sister introduced me to the great outdoors way back in 1978). Can't recall if there is a pub in the Gap, only a local greasy from a long ago trip. Activity-wise, besides following Mr Marc on his ceaseless quest for a froth and a vanilla slice, where are we going?? Sunrise, sunsets? Mount Williams? Victoria Valley? Glenisla Crossing? Hollow Mountain (star trails!)... Dinna out some place?


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EDIT: I visited the Parks Victoria website to glean some idea of which areas in the Grampians are open /closed post-fire.
This .pdf map might be handy: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/621246/Grampians-National-Park-Update.pdf

 

[munz6869]

I think the weekend of 27th/28th September IS the go, as the most people seemed available for that one a few pages ago, and it's firmly in our diaries...

But you raise some good points Gary, including it's not all about food Perhaps if we have a bit of a straw poll about the various spots/times folks are keen on? Ready, Set... go!

Marc!

 

[chiller]

I just checked my archives to find out how long ago the first APUG gathering in the Grampians was. It was 2nd January 2006 and the attendees were Old Biker Pete, Graeme Hird, Wyno, Chiller and myself.

And it was a great meet up. Just remember the Grampians can become very "tourist" crowded and that can be problematic at times if you what to access some of the famous locations. Would like to be there but can no longer get around all that well.

Steve

 

[OldBikerPete]

Evidently I'm the only one here with a heart! Don't worry, Peter, I shall endeavour to enjoy every second up at the Grampians on YOUR behalf. Never let it be said that no one gave you a second thought.

See, gentlemen, thoughtfulness AND sincerity! It's a gift

Gee, Molli. You're always so caring and thoughtful. Not like the rest of this bunch.

 

[Glenn Mathison]

Hi all,

I've been away from APUG for quite a while but I've decided to come back for a look and I see this new gathering is imminent. Pity it's such a long way away otherwise I'd be tempted.

Have fun.

 

[Dr Croubie]

meanwhile, I just checked Vic school term dates, according to here the school holidays are from 19th Sept to 6th Oct.

Sigh, that means I'll probably have to book accomodation in advance instead of winging it, which was the plan until now...

 

[Yamaotoko]

Yes, it's smack in the middle of school holidays I'm still planning accommodation by the seat of my pants, all I need is a patch if grass inside the Grampians and I'll be set. I guess if we work out ahead of time which areas we'll most likely be visiting, I can plan ahead where to pitch my tent.

 

[LJH]

Is it too late to change the date 'til after the holidays? Is it worth it?

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

I concur with Lionel. The date is looking a bit of a bogey. Anybody staying in Halls Gap will be charged peak rates (especially at the two caravan parks) because of the influx of people, and I habitually, earnestly avoid such times. Additionally, bush camps outside the town within the National Park are also charged high camping rates now (for little to no facilities!), so there is no cheap and cheerful way out of this, together with the fact that two-thirds of the Grampians is still closed to entry. Quandary.

 

[Dr Croubie]

I think those with caravans and tents would probably be ok, but I'm probably going to cabin it, especially as the missus may be coming too. I'm still fine with the dates as-is though, just have to be more organised than I was planning...

 

[Mick Fagan]

Yes, it's smack in the middle of school holidays I'm still planning accommodation by the seat of my pants, all I need is a patch if grass inside the Grampians and I'll be set. I guess if we work out ahead of time which areas we'll most likely be visiting, I can plan ahead where to pitch my tent.

Wannon Crossing is the cheapest place at $11.70 per night for two people, either a tent or camper trailer or caravan. We often stay there as it's really quiet and well away from the madding crowd. The road, which is nearby, drops right off as darkness falls; too many roos. Takes about 15 minutes to get to Halls Gap, plus it's on the best route from Geelong.

The next cheapest place for a tent as far as I can see is at the Lakeside Tourist park at $29.00 per night for an unpowered camping spot in the shoulder season, which is what the season is officially called on that weekend.

Gary, it was me that spoke to you on Saturday at the Melbourne Camera Club darkroom workers print exhibition.

Mick.

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Oh good! Mick, I am technically blind atm (progressively from Saturday 9am) from a hemorrhaged eye (being fixed this afternoon in day surgery) and couldn't see very well at all at the exhibition (especially the tiny, tiny wall titles...): everbody looked kinda out of focus... I'd like to go back and have a better look at the prints once I'm fixed up, but I guess that won't happen . Until I'm fixed I have to get around with one eye, something I won't be doing at 100km/h on the freeway again, that's for sure... I'll have a look at Wannan Xing; can't immediately place it from memory, but anywhere away from madding crowds is very welcome!

 

[Mick Fagan]

Gary, why did you have to spoil my good feelings of how you thought I looked younger than you remembered by mentioning that you are pretty much blind in the eye from internal bleeding.

On a different note, I did notice that your right eye looked a little worse for wear, I do hope you will be able to recover 100%.

Wannon Crossing Campground is on the Dunkeld to Halls Gap road, coming from Dunkeld you cross the Wannon river. About 50 metres before the river on the right (East) side of the road, is the entrance to the camping area, it's quite small. Has a long drop dunny, so you'll be sweet.

Mick.

 

[Dr Croubie]

Wannon Crossing Campground is on the Dunkeld to Halls Gap road, coming from Dunkeld you cross the Wannon river. About 50 metres before the river on the right (East) side of the road, is the entrance to the camping area, it's quite small. Has a long drop dunny, so you'll be sweet.

Found It! What do I win?
I've just been looking at cabins and such in Halls Gap iitself, they're all in the $100-120 mark, but there are still some available. If the missus comes she wants to be there, so she can walk straight out and go hiking. If I'm by myself I'll consider Stawell and Dunkeld and deal with the driving if it's any cheaper...

 

[Poisson Du Jour]

Found It! What do I win?
I've just been looking at cabins and such in Halls Gap iitself, they're all in the $100-120 mark, but there are still some available. If the missus comes she wants to be there, so she can walk straight out and go hiking. If I'm by myself I'll consider Stawell and Dunkeld and deal with the driving if it's any cheaper...

I can't see any people there...

 

[Dr Croubie]

I can't see any people there...

That might possibly be related to:

I am technically blind atm!

Meanwhile, hope the surgery goes ok and you don't lose your good focussing eye, lest you be forced onto AF equipment...

 

[Oxleyroad]

My family and I are staying at the Halls Gap caravan park in a cabin. As for moving dates, I am not going to be able to.

 

[Joachim_I]

We are staying in a cabin in Halls Gap (not in the caravan park but close to it). We will definitly go on the planned weekend.